15 Distinguishing Welsh Baby Names for Boys

Updated: May 6, 2016

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Discovering a baby name that’s truly unique but easy to spell and pronounce (in other words, not weird or crazy) can be fun and frustrating at the same time. If you’re feeling stuck, look to these baby names from Wales for some inspiration. Just like the Welsh girls names, these are distinctive and gallant, too—one might possibly be the perfect fit for your soon-to-be little boy. Plus, you might recognize several of these from pop culture.

Which one is your favorite?

Bevan. It sounds very close to Evan (an Irish name meaning “young warrior”) and it means “son of Evan.” So, if you like the name Evan…well then, this one might be worth considering, too!

Bowen. Owen is a super popular name these days – and here’s a slightly different twist. It means “son of Owen.”

Bryce. This name could actually be used for a boy or girl. It means “alert, ambitious.”

Dilwyn. Here’s one you don’t hear every day. It’s similar to Dylan (also a Welsh name) and means “shady place.”

Gareth. If you’ve an inkling that your baby boy is will be kind and sensitive, this name hailing from the Arthurian legend might be a great fit. It means “gentle.” Aw.

Gavin. A very cool-sounding name with a very cool meaning—“white hawk.”

Howell. A more modern alternative to the classic name Howard, this name means “remarkable.” You could call him “Howe” for short.

Idris. Here’s a strong name that’s becoming more common with those who keep up with pop culture, specifically, actor Idris Elba. It means “eager lord.” See? Very strong.

Jestin. Like the name Justin (which is a Latin name meaning “just”)? So do a lot of people. Consider this Welsh version to make your son stand out from the crowd.

Lloyd. This name sounds vintage, but it’s slowly making a comeback. It means “gray-haired; holy.”

Rhett. Thanks to Gone With the Wind, this name will be forever associated with the dashingly handsome Rhett Butler. But it could be a great name for your baby boy, too. It’s actually short for Rhys—another Welsh name on this list.

Rhys. This name means “enthusiastic; stream.” It’s rising in popularity thanks to two well-known actors: Matthew Rhys and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. And, of course, you could call him Rhett for short.

Teagan. This name means “beautiful, attractive,” and like some of the others above, could be used for a boy or a girl.

Tristan. If this name sounds like royalty to you, that’s because there’s a knight in the Arthurian legends named Tristan. It means “bold.”

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.